‘Similkameen Wineries Association’ Now ‘Similkameen Independent Winegrowers’

The GOODS from the Similkameen Independent Winegrowers

Keremeos, BC | The Similkameen Independent Winegrowers launched its new brand identity including its name, logo and a new website at a celebration with the local business community on June 15, 2017.

Formerly named the Similkameen Wineries Association, efforts over its first number of years have focused on raising awareness of the Similkameen wine region and the awarding-winning wines and ciders produced by its members. “We were known as one of the top 5 wine regions you have never heard of” said Charlie Baessler, President of the now Similkameen Independent Winegrowers. “But the secret is out and we are recognized as a premium wine region by industry experts and savvy wine enthusiasts”.

The winery members felt it was time to evolve the brand and over the past several months have been focused on defining their brand promise as they move forward. “This is an exciting time for us,” Baessler continued. “It is not often that a winery group has the opportunity to chart the course for its region and we are excited to move forward with this next phase of our journey.”

The members produce a wide range of grape wines, as well as fruit wines and ciders using site-specific techniques. “We acknowledge the diversity of our winegrowers and their practices as we strive to create world-class wines in the region”, said Baessler. “At the same time we are bound together by common values specifically around 2 main areas; our commitment to respect and care for our land, and our relentless focus on ensuring our wines and ciders express our rare and special terroir. We want you to taste our valley in every glass.”

Baessler says the new name and logo represent who they are going forward. “The name Similkameen Independent Winegrowers recognizes we are independent as individuals and as a group, and winegrowers references that each member is both a grower and wine maker.” For more details on the brand promise, our beliefs, our logo and name, visit www.similkameenwine.com.

The Similkameen Independent Winegrowers is a non-profit association with the goal of advancing awareness and understanding of the Similkameen wine region. The 10 members are Clos du Soleil Winery, Corcelettes Estate Winery, Forbidden Fruit Winery, Hugging Tree Winery, Orofino Winery, Robin Ridge Winery, Rustic Roots Winery, Seven Stones Winery, Twisted Hills Craft Cider and Vanessa Vineyard Estate Winery.

For further information please contact Sara Crockett, Marketing Director at [email protected] or 250-499-6776 or visit our website at www.similkameenwine.com.

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The People

Nine of the Similkameen wineries have joined together to form the Similkameen Independent Winegrowers to help put the spotlight on the exciting developments in this region. Clos du Soleil, Eau Vivre, Forbidden Fruit, Orofino, Robin Ridge, Rustic Roots, Sage Bush, Seven Stones and VineGlass are working together to welcome everyone to the beautiful Similkameen Valley!

About the Similkameen Independent Winegrowers

Soak up the sunshine and dare to dream while meandering through the vineyards of the family-run boutique wineries of the Similkameen. Sip award-winning wines with the winemakers while learning about their love of the land in one of the hot spots for grape and fruit wine in British Columbia. Discover for yourself why this special little wine region was named by enRoute Magazine as “one of the world’s 5 best wine regions you’ve never heard of!” This little patch of vineyards and orchards in the hot, dry and sunny Similkameen Valley is turning out some stunning grape and fruit wines.

There are currently over 600 acres of vineyards in the Similkameen and a large number of orchards. In fact, the region is considered to be the organic farming capital of Canada with an estimated 42% of all crops grown organically. This is due to the ideal conditions of dry heat, long hours of sunlight and the famous wind that whips through the valley keeping out pests and diseases.

The Similkameen Valley has been growing fruit and grapes for many years, but it is only recently that there has been a rapid expansion in the number of wineries. Prior to this, many of the grapes were sold to Okanagan wineries and contributed to a number of award winning wines. Now the awards are piling up for wineries in the Similkameen! Hundreds of medals have been awarded to Similkameen wineries over the past few years.

On the second Saturday each July, we join together for a very special event called the Similkameen BBQ King. Guests enjoy an extraordinary summer evening savouring the award-winning wines from nine of the Similkameen wineries and nine distinguished chefs who are vying for the title of Similkameen BBQ King. Passion and expertise rule the competition as some of the most sought after Chefs from BC prepare a plate of locally grown food for each guest. This award-winning event is held in the lovely outdoor gardens at the historic Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos. The Similkameen is becoming one of Canada’s premier wine destinations.

Located 3.5 hours east of Vancouver along beautiful highway 3, and just 30 minutes from Penticton and Osoyoos, the location makes the Similkameen the perfect weekend adventure or the perfect first stop on your Okanagan wine getaway! Kick back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine while you discover the hidden gem called the Similkameen Valley.